Michelle's Review: Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Sunday, October 2, 2011

ARC: 304 pagesPublisher: BerkleyRelease Date: October 4, 2011ISBN: 9780425244005Source of my copy: the authorSeries: Animal #2Synopsis (from Goodreads):She’s tempting his basic instincts…Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy bossJade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…

Michelle's Review:I'm a sucker for small town stories and add to that three sexy brothers working with animals? What we got here is a fun contemporary romantic read. I am never disappointed with a Jill Shalvis contemporary and Animal Attraction is no exception.

I fell in love with both Jade and Dell right from the beginning. Jade moved to Sunshine, Idaho eighteen months before the story began. She went through a very traumatic experience and left Chicago to escape her family and her memories, though she eventually planned to go back home. When Animal Attraction began, she was working as a receptionist in an animal clinic and had about a month left in Sunshine before she leaves for home. Dell was Sunshine's sexy veterinarian. Animals love him (and vice versa) and the ladies love him more. On the outside he was friendly with a ready smile for everyone but he doesn't let anyone too close except for a few friends. Both have trust issues and do not let people get too close but for different reasons. I like that they have that in common. They are also reluctant to start anything because Jade is leaving and it was great watching them fight their attraction to each other. It was great watching them get together--their chemistry was great.

I also really liked the relationship Dell has with his brothers, especially Adam. It was fun seeing them interact and give each other a hard time. I am looking forward to reading Adam's book--I think I already know his heroine. I did wish that there was some dialogue (or some kind of resolution) between Dell and his mother. There were a few scenes between them and I know the issues in their relationship cannot be resolved quickly but it felt like that secondary story line was left hanging.

The writing and the pacing was great. The dialogue felt authentic to the situation. There is also great humor in this one. Animal Attraction is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone. I myself did not read the first book but after reading this book, I am definitely moving up Animal Magnetism (Brady and Lilah's book) up my to-be-read pile. Brady and Lilah were super cute in this book.

If you're looking for a fun contemporary read, you should definitely check out this series and Jill Shalvis (if you haven't already). Animal Attraction is a light, fun, sexy read and highly entertaining.

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